Bobby Joe Sams

Bobby Joe Sams, 83, of Indianapolis, IN, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 12th

surrounded by his nearest and dearest, following a long life full of love, laughter, fast cars and

screwdrivers.

The only son to William Hubert Sams and Mary Louise (Frost) Sams, Bobby Joe was born in

Corbin, Kentucky on August 3, 1942. He is survived by, above all, his devoted wife of 62 years,

Sondra. They married on January 3rd, 1964 and went on to move across state and county lines

together. Eventually, at the age of 21, landing in the place they call home, Indianapolis.

Bobby Joe was a mechanic by trade, and easily the best one you could find east of the

Mississippi. He was the youngest owner/operator of Allisonville Interstate Sunoco, and went on

to have three other locations across Indianapolis. Most commonly known around town is the

shop, Sams Auto Service, that opened in Carmel, IN in 1984 and closed in 2023.

For those lucky enough to call him a friend, they knew Bobby Joe for his grit, work ethic, stories

and that deep southern drawl. He made a community everywhere he went whether that was the

golf course or the racetrack. Bobby Joe was happiest while watching his three children drag

race, stock car races, golfing, or telling his grandchildren the tales of his wild life.

He was many things in his life; a father, husband, son, friend, papaw, mechanic, golfer, Legion

member, sharp dresser and most of all always right.

Bobby Joe is lovingly remembered by his children Hubert (Angie), Jayme (Heidi), and Cassie

(Mike); grandchildren, Jake (Eden), Carly, Joleigh, Megan, Tess, Loren; and great-grandchild

Bodhi.

Preceded in death by his parents, William Hubert Sams, Mary Louise (Frost) Sams, infant

daughter Rebecca Jo Sams and a 1985 Corvette.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date, further details to come.

Bobby Joe touched the lives of many throughout his 83 years of life, and how lucky are we to

have had him.

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to

come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to

separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39